I've had problems with that. The usual bicarb/acv deep clean can help. I've also found that using the neutrogena t-gel will get residue/lint out really well if left on the entire length of your dreads for around ten minutes.I would also occasionally use a small amount of coconut oil on the ends to help loosen any stubborn bits, worse case scenario is that the ends may loosen a little but it's better than having lint stuck in them. Superdrug sell a little tub for around 3 and it lasts ages.

I'd leave it alone, in the past I've wrapped dreads to try and get them to congo and the sectioning has been uncomfortable resulting in pulling on my scalp quite painfully. I've had dreads naturally congo and it's been a lot more comfortable than anything that's been forced together.

I have used starter methods and it's time consuming. From what you've said just leave it and go natural, your hair is already telling you the answer. I will always say go natural if you can, especially if you have hair that knots up easily.Starter methods can also be really frustrating when you feel like all your hard work is being undone, going natural skips that process.

Hello and SE is very right. Sectioning works best when it happens naturally and is also more comfortable as it doesn't pull as much. Also some variation in size is good as hair doesn't tend to have a uniform pattern.

I'm Sarah and I live in the UK. I'm a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, I love my job because it is so rewarding. My main passion is motorbikes, I currently ride a 125cc sports style bike while I save to do my full licence. I'm very keen on horses and like to go horse riding when I can but it is an expensive hobby so it's a treat when I do go.I'm very passionate about my dogs as well.I also knit and crochet in my spare time (crochet hooks are for yarn and thread not dreadlocks! ) it's something I learnt to do when I was a kid and I find it very relaxing.I've always been interested in dreadlocks but it took a long time to get here. I started my first set in Sept '11 with back combing. I knew that dreadlocks wouldn't happen instantly but I was frustrated with how they looked as I had preconceived ideas about how I wanted them to look. I also dyed them a lot in the early stages and I do believe it hindered the process. I did also add some extensions as some had shrunk massively compared to others.In Aug '13 I made the decision to brush them out believing it was right. I was having a lot of pain from a shoulder injury (sustained from a motorbike crash in March - caused by a third party) and I believed that this influenced my decision at the time.I began to regret the decision quickly as I didn't feel like myself anymore. In Nov '13 I made the decision to start again, I did use a starter method as I need to keep them relatively neat for work. Things are also a little difficult and having a natural set at the moment isn't the right time.I used back combing, T'n'r and very gentle pulling in of some loops with a crochet hook although I wouldn't advocate using one.This set is my own natural blonde - no dye! My profile pic is from my old set. I don't do any maintenance I just wash and separate. This time round I'm really embracing how my hair will naturally form into dreadlocks, I'm also a lot more relaxed about loose hairs and how my hair has a wild and unruly mind of it's own.Dreadlocks do have a spiritual element for me which is why I'm glad I started again in some ways.
updated by @sarah-robinson: 01/13/15 10:01:31PM

I'm not vegan but I did cut milk out because of problems with stomach ulcers, I've since started using hemp milk and it's my favourite of the dairy free alternatives. The taste may take a little getting used to but it is great in coffee and tea (I'm English so I have tea pumping through my veins) it doesn't work well when heated up though. I must admit though that my digestion has improved and I do agree with the viewpoint of not having milk from another animal as there is no real need for it.